Hundreds gathered to pay their respects to a well-loved sportsman in Beccles.

Aiden Lowe, 23, was remembered by friends and family at a service celebrating the life of the popular and charismatic footballer, who his family said made them smile each and every day.

Mourners entered St Benet’s Church to He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies, with Mr Lowe’s older brothers Dan and Matty, his brother-in-law and friend among the coffin bearers.

The service, held this afternoon, was led by the Rev Martin Gowman who began proceedings by inviting members of the congregation to place shirts of the sports teams which Mr Lowe had previously represented on his coffin.

These included Bungay Town, Beccles Caxton and St Benet’s Wasps, showing the impact he had on the many clubs that he was at the heart of.

Aiden Lowe. Picture: Courtesy of Aiden's family.

Rev Gowman declared the ceremony an opportunity “to gather our thoughts and gather our memories of a magnificent young man” before a rendition of Amazing Grace was played.

Paper and pens were available at the church so mourners could write individual tributes and messages of love and support, which were collected in a basket at the end of the ceremony.

Mr Lowe’s sporting prowess was much celebrated during his life, evident from the many teams and clubs he was part of. His family said there was not a sport he didn’t play well.

He made 112 appearances for Bungay Town FC scoring 63 goals in the process and earning the coveted Supporters’ Player of the Year Award last season.